Module cover

ABSTRACT

In combination, a self-supporting module of fibrous material and a cover. The cover includes a cap with a top member covering the top of the module, a first side wall member attached to the top member and depending downwardly from the top member and covering at least a part of the upper portion of the first side wall of the module, a second side wall member attached to the top member and depending downwardly from the top member and covering at least a part of the upper portion of the second side wall of the module, a first end wall member attached to the top member and depending downwardly from the top member and covering at least a part of the upper portion of the first end wall of the module, and a second end wall member attached to the top member and depending downwardly from the top member and covering at least a part of the upper portion of the second end wall of the module; first strap structure secured to the cap at a point slightly below the top member of the cap and extending completely around the module lengthwise and parallel to the top of the module; and a second strap structure secured to the cap at a point below the first strap structure and extending completely around the module lengthwise and parallel to the top of the module.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/298,770,entitled "MODULE COVER," filed Aug. 31, 1994, U.S. Pat No. 5,511,655,which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 07/846,604,entitled "COTTON MODULE COVER," filed Mar. 5, 1992, now U.S. Pat. No.5,386,905.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates, in general, to covers for covering thetop of compressed, self-supporting collections of fibrous material suchas cotton modules.

2. Information Disclosure Statement

Cotton is machined harvested using stripper harvesters having rollers ormechanical fingers that remove the entire cotton bole from the plant, orusing spindle pickers that pull seed cotton from open cotton bolls,using revolving barbed spindles that entwine the cotton fiber andrelease it once separated from the boll. After being harvested, seedcotton is removed from the harvester and either stored or loaded intotrailers for transport to a cotton gin for further processing.

Cotton module builders as disclosed in Wilkes et al., U.S. Pat. No.3,749,003, issued Jul. 31, 1973, and Orlando et al., U.S. Pat. No.3,941,047, issued Mar. 2, 1976, allow seed cotton to be formed intolarge, sell-supporting seed cotton modules for storage directly in thecotton fields. Such cotton module builders typically include arectangular body with a module forming chamber that is open at the topand bottom and provided with a movable rear gate, and retractable wheelsso that it can be pulled onto a cotton field to allow harvested seedcotton to be dumped directly from a harvester into the open body of themodule builder. The module builder includes a carriage mounted on top ofthe body for movement between the opposite ends of the body. Thecarriage has vertically reciprocable tamper so that the seed cottondumped into the body can be continuously compressed into a firm,self-supporting module within the confines of the open body. Thus, theseed cotton is compressed in the forming chamber and will maintain theconfiguration and shape of the forming chamber after the compression isreleased and the cotton module builder moved away. While the shape andsize of such cotton modules may vary, they typically have asubstantially rectangular base about 32 feet (9.7 meters) long and 7feet (2.1 meters) wide, with a height of about 7.5 feet (2.25 meters)and normally weigh more than 5,000 pounds (2,268 kilograms). The sidesand ends of most cotton modules slope slightly inwardly to give cottonmodules a slight trapezoid shape. When the cotton module is completed,the rear gate of the cotton builder is opened and the wheels of thecotton builder are lowered to allow the cotton builder to be pulledforwardly to a new location, leaving a tightly compacted,self-supporting seed cotton module on the field for temporary fieldstorage. Being self-supporting, such seed cotton modules do not requireany outside aid in the form of belts, straps, etc., to maintain propershape and form.

Because a self-supporting cotton module may be left in the field formany weeks before it is picked up and transported to a cotton gin, it isusually desirable to cover the cotton module with waterproof orwater-resistant fabric or the like to at least partially protect thecotton module from the wind and rain, etc. Flat, waterproof tarpaulinshave been used in the past to cover and protect cotton modules. Suchtarpaulins are typically secured to the cotton modules with spikes,ropes, weights, or the like. Kandarian, U.S. Pat. No. 4,538,385, issuedSep. 3, 1985, discloses a protective cover for a cotton modulecomprising a water repellent cap portion adapted to fit about the top ofthe module, an air permeable skirt portion connected to and dependingfrom the cap portion and adapted to encircle the midportion of themodule; and a single belt fastened about the perimeter of the skirtportion for securing the cover about the module without intrusion intothe module surface, the belt having D-rings on one end and a tongue onthe other end to allow the belt to be cinched about the module.Goldberg, U.S. Pat. No. 4,869,363, issued Sep. 26, 1989, discloses acombination cotton module cover and catenary hold down comprising ahorizontal waterproof top sheet for covering the top of the cottonmodule; flexible side wall sheets secured to the top sheet to partiallyoverlay the side walls of the module, the side wall sheets having agenerally horizontal bottom edge; at least three loops secured to thebottom edge of each side wall and extending downwardly from the bottomedge of each side wall with at least one loop located near the center ofeach side wall being shorter than the other loops; and a cord passingthrough the loops and about the cotton module to secure the cover to themodule, the cord coacting with the loops to form a catenary curve alongthe side walls of the cotton module.

From the fields, seed cotton is eventually moved to cotton gins forseparation of lint and seed. At the cotton gin, the seed cotton firstgoes through cleaning equipment to remove trash and other foreignmatter, and is then conveyed to gin stands where revolving circular sawspull the lint through closely spaced ribs that prevent the seed frompassing through. The cotton lint is removed from the saw teeth by airblasts or rotating brushes, and then compressed between the platens of acotton press into a cotton bale weighing approximately 500 pounds (227kilograms). Since such cotton bales are not self-supporting, a pluralityof cotton bale ties in the form of metal bands are tightly wrappedaround the compressed cotton bales while the cotton bales remaincompressed between the platens of the cotton press. The platenstypically have grooves in the faces thereof for receiving the cottonbale ties before the cotton lint is placed therebetween. See Wright,U.S. Pat. No. 4,071,138, issued Jan. 31, 1978. After the cotton baleties are secured, the platens are opened and the tied cotton balesremoved for transport to a textile mill or the like. Covers may beapplied to the cotton bales to keep the cotton bales clean. The coversmay consist of bag-like structure for placing over tied cotton bales, ormay consist merely of sheets of cloth or the like placed over the faceof the platens before the cotton lint is placed therebetween so that thesheets will be positioned between the cotton bale ties and oppositefaces of the cotton bale, etc.

Nothing in the above prior art discloses or suggests the presentinvention. For example, nothing in the above prior art discloses orsuggests the combination of a compressed self-supporting module offibrous material and a cover comprising a cap with a top member coveringthe top of the module, a first side wall member attached to the topmember and depending downwardly from the top member and covering atleast a part of the upper portion of the first side wall of the module,a second side wall member attached to the top member and dependingdownwardly from the top member and covering at least a part of the upperportion of the second side wall of the module, a first end wall memberattached to the top member and depending downwardly from the top memberand covering at least a part of the upper portion of the first end wallof the module, and a second end wall member attached to the top memberand depending downwardly from the top member and covering at least apart of the upper portion of the second end wall of the module; firststrap means secured to the cap at a point slightly below the top memberof the cap and extending completely around the module lengthwise andparallel to the top of the module; and a second strap means secured tothe cap at a point below the first strap means and extending completelyaround the module lengthwise and parallel to the top of the module.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward providing an improved cover forcombination with a compressed self-supporting module of fibrousmaterial.

The cover of the present invention includes a cap with a top membercovering the top of the module, a first side wall member attached to thetop member and depending downwardly from the top member and covering atleast a part of the upper portion of the first side wall of the module,a second side wall member attached to the top member and dependingdownwardly from the top member and covering at least a part of the upperportion of the second side wall of the module, a first end wall memberattached to the top member and depending downwardly from the top memberand covering at least a part of the upper portion of the first end wallof the module, and a second end wall member attached to the top memberand depending downwardly from the top member and covering at least apart of the upper portion of the second end wall of the module; firststrap means secured to the cap at a point slightly below the top memberof the cap and extending completely around the module lengthwise andparallel to the top of the module; and a second strap means secured tothe cap at a point below the first strap means and extending completelyaround the module lengthwise and parallel to the top of the module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the module coverof the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1 but showing the firstembodiment of the module cover of the present invention from theopposite end.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view substantially as taken on line 3--3 of FIG. 1on an enlarged scale and with certain portions omitted for clarity.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view substantially as taken on line 4--4 of FIG. 1on an enlarged scale and with certain portions omitted for clarity.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view substantially as taken on line 5--5 of FIG. 1on an enlarged scale and with certain portions omitted for clarity.

FIG. 6 is a somewhat diagrammatic view of the preferred embodiment ofthe binding strap securing means of the module cover of FIG. 1 shown ina completely opened position.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are similar to FIG. 6 but show the binding strap securingmeans thereof in partially secured positions.

FIG. 9 is similar to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 but shows the binding strapsecuring means in a fully secured position.

FIG. 10 is a somewhat diagrammatic transverse cross section of themodule cover of FIG. 1 with portions thereof omitted and broken away forclarity, and positioned above a module.

FIG. 11 is a somewhat diagrammatic longitudinal cross section of themodule cover of FIG. 1 with portions thereof omitted and broken away forclarity, and positioned above a module.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the module coverof the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 12 but showing the secondembodiment of the module cover of the present invention from theopposite end.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view substantially as taken on line 14--14 ofFIG. 12 on an enlarged scale and with certain portions omitted forclarity.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view substantially as taken on line 15--15 ofFIG. 12 on an enlarged scale and with certain portions omitted forclarity.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the module coverof the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view substantially as taken on line 17--17 ofFIG. 16 on an enlarged scale and with portions omitted for clarity.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view substantially as taken on line 18--18 ofFIG. 16 on an enlarged scale and with portions omitted for clarity.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 16 but showing the thirdembodiment of the module cover of the present invention from theopposite side.

FIG. 20 is a somewhat diagrammatic perspective view of an upper strap ofthe third embodiment of the module cover of the present inventionshowing a first fold of a first hanger member thereof.

FIG. 21 is a somewhat diagrammatic perspective view of an upper strap ofthe third embodiment of the module cover of the present inventionsimilar to FIG. 20 but further showing a second fold of a first hangermember thereof.

FIG. 22 is a somewhat diagrammatic perspective view of an upper strap ofthe third embodiment of the module cover of the present inventionsimilar to FIG. 21 but further showing a third fold of a first hangermember thereof.

FIG. 23 is a somewhat diagrammatic perspective view of an upper strap ofthe third embodiment of the module cover of the present inventionsimilar to FIG. 22 but further showing a first fold of a second hangermember thereof.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view similar to the front right portion of FIG.19 but showing an alternate third embodiment of the module cover of thepresent invention.

FIG. 25 is a sectional view substantially as taken on line 25--25 ofFIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a portion of the module cover of FIG.24 but showing an inside corner thereof.

FIGS. 27-29 are perspective views of a modified second embodiment of themodule cover of the present invention similar to FIG. 12 but showing thesteps of placing the module cover over the module and folding one end ofthe module cover around one end of the module.

FIGS. 30-38 are sectional views similar to FIG. 17 but showing alternateembodiments of the channel means of the module cover of the presentinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The module cover of the present invention is for use with aself-supporting module 13 of compressed fibrous material such as atypical cotton module to protect at least a portion of the module 13from wind, rain, etc.

A typical self-supporting module 13 has a top 15, a first side wall 17,a second side wall 19, a first end wall 21, and a second end wall 23(see, in general, FIGS. 10 and 11). Such a module 13 is preferablyconstructed by use of a typical cotton module builder or the like suchas the self-propelled module builder disclosed by Haney et al., U.S.Pat. No. 4,184,425, issued Jan. 22, 1980. While such cotton modules 13may be various shapes and sizes, a typical module 13 is substantiallyblock-like and has a rectangular base about 32 feet (9.7 meters) longand 7 feet (2.1 meters) wide, with a height of about 7.5 feet (2.25meters). The inside angle between the top 15 and side walls 17, 19 ofsuch typical modules 13 is commonly greater than 90 degrees as indicatedby the arrows 25 in FIG. 10 whereby the module 13 has a trapezoid whenviewed from either end. Likewise, the inside angle between the top andend walls 21, 23 of such typical cotton modules is commonly greater than90 degrees as indicated by the arrows 27 in FIG. 11 whereby the module13 also has a trapezoid shape when viewed from either side.

A first preferred embodiment module cover of the present invention isshown in FIGS. 1-11 and identified by the numeral 28. The cover 28 isfor use with a typical module 13 to protect at least a portion of themodule 13 from wind, rain, etc.

The cover 28 includes a cap 29 for covering the top 15 of the module 13.The cap 29 preferably includes a top member 31 for covering the top 15of the module 13, a first side wall member 33 attached to the top member31 and depending downwardly from the top member 31 for covering at leasta portion of the first side wall 17 of the module 13, a second side wallmember 35 attached to the top member 31 and depending downwardly fromthe top member 31 for covering at least a portion of the second sidewall 19 of the module 13, a first end wall member 37 attached to the topmember 31 and depending downwardly from the top member 31 for coveringat least a portion of the first end wall 21 of the module 13, and asecond end wall member 39 attached to the top member 31 and dependingdownwardly from the top member 31 for covering at least a portion of thesecond end wall 23 of the module 13. Each side wall member 33, 35 ispreferably of a length to extend down from the top 15 of the module 13 adistance of approximately one fifth or so of the height of therespective side wall 17, 19 of the module 13 when the cap 29 ispositioned on a module 13. Each end wall member 37, 39 is preferably ofa length to extend down from the top 15 of the module 13 a distance ofapproximately four fifths or so of the height of the module 13 when thecap 29 is positioned on a module 13. Flaps 41 may be attached to theside edges of each end wall member 37, 39 for extending from the sideedges of each end wall member 37, 39 a short distance around each cornerof the module 13 as clearly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The cap 29 may beconstructed out of a waterproof or water-repellent sheet of canvas,plastic or the like in various sizes and in various manners as will nowbe apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the cap 29 may be cut,folded and sewn from one or more flat sheets of water-repellent fabricor material as will now be apparent to those skilled in the art.Alternatively, the side wall members 33, 35 and end wall members 37, 39can be manufactured from non-coated, non-water-repellant fabric ormaterial.

Since a typical module 13 has a trapezoid shape when viewed from eitherend or side, the cap 29 is preferably constructed so that the anglebetween the bottom surface 43 of the top member 31 and the insidesurfaces 45 of at least the upper portion of the wall members 33, 35,37, 39 is greater than 90 degrees as indicated by the arrows 47 in FIGS.10 and 11 whereby the cap 29 can be sized to substantially perfectly fitover the top 15 of the module 13 to eliminate any void space between thecap 29 and the module 13.

The cover 28 includes securing means for securing the cap 29 to themodule 13. The securing means preferably includes an upper securingmeans 49 for securing the cap 29 to the module 13 at a point slightlybelow the top 15 of the module 13, and a lower securing means 51 forsecuring the cap 29 to the module 13 at a spaced distance below theupper securing means 49. The upper securing means 49 is preferablyattached to at least one of the wall members 33, 35, 37, 39 at a pointslightly below the top member 31. Likewise, the lower securing means 51is preferably attached to at least one of the wall members 33, 35, 37,39 at a spaced distance below the upper securing means 49.

The cover 28 preferably includes an upper channel means on at least oneof the wall members 33, 35, 37, 39 at a point slightly below the topmember 31 for receiving a portion of the upper securing means 49. Theupper channel means preferably includes a first upper channel member 53on the first side wall member 33 at a point slightly below the topmember 31, and a second upper channel member 55 on the second side wallmember 35 at a point slightly below the top member 31. Each first andsecond upper channel members 53, 55 preferably has a passageway 57therethrough for receiving a portion of the upper securing means 49.More specifically, the upper securing means 49 preferably includes anelongated strap means 59 for extending through the passageways 57 in thefirst and second upper channel members 53, 55 and around the first andsecond end wall members 37, 39 to encircle a module 13 at a pointslightly below the top 15 of the module 13 as will now be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Each upper channel member 53, 55 may consistof a tube-like member constructed of an elongated length of fabric,folded lengthwise and sewn or otherwise fixedly attached to the cap 29as will now be apparent to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, thestrap means 59 may be sewn or otherwise directly attached to portions ofthe cap 29, may be loose relative to both the first and second end wallmembers 37, 39, and may be secured by knots, buckles or the likeadjacent each end wall member 37, 39, etc. The elongated strap means 59may consist of an elongated length of material such as fabric webbing,flat rope, or the like as will now be apparent to those skilled in theart.

The cover 28 preferably includes a lower channel means on at least oneof the wall members 33, 35, 37, 39 at a spaced distance below the upperchannel means for receiving a portion of the lower securing means 51.The lower channel means preferably includes a first lower channel member61 on the first end wall member 37 a spaced distance below the uppersecuring means 49, and a second lower channel member 63 on the secondend wall member 39 a spaced distance below the upper securing means 49.Each first and second lower channel members 61, 63 preferably has apassageway 65 therethrough for receiving a portion of the lower securingmeans 51. More specifically, the lower securing means 51 preferablyincludes an elongated strap means 67 for extending through thepassageways 65 in the first and second lower channel members 61, 63 andaround the first and second end wall members 37, 39 to encircle a module13 a spaced distance below the strap means 59 of the upper securingmeans 51 as will now be apparent to those skilled in the art. Each lowerchannel member 61, 63 may consist of a tube-like member constructed ofan elongated length of fabric, folded lengthwise and sewn or otherwisefixedly attached to the cap 29 as will now be apparent to those skilledin the art. Alternatively, the strap means 67 may be sewn or otherwisedirectly attached to portions of the cap 29, may be loose relative toboth the first and second end wall members 37, 39, and may be secured byknots, buckles or the like adjacent each end wall member 37, 39, etc.The elongated strap means 67 may consist of an elongated length ofmaterial such as fabric webbing, flat rope, or the like as will now beapparent to those skilled in the art.

The cover 28 preferably includes hanger means for hanging the elongatedstrap means 67 of the lower securing means 51 from the elongated strapmeans 59 of the upper securing means 49. The hanger means preferablyincludes plurality of hanger members with each hanger member having anupper end for being coupled to the elongated strap means 59 of the uppersecuring means 49 and having a lower end for being coupled to theelongated strap means 67 of the lower securing means 51. Morespecifically, the hanger means preferably includes a first hanger member69 having an upper end 71 coupled to the elongated strap means 59 of theupper securing means 49 at a point along the first side wall 17 of amodule 13 between the first end wall 21 of the module 13 and the centerof the first side wall 17 of the module 13, and having a lower end 73coupled to the elongated strap means 67 of the lower securing means 51;a second hanger member 75 having an upper end 77 coupled to theelongated strap means 59 of the upper securing means 49 at a point alongthe first side wall 17 of the module 13 between the second end wall 23of the module 13 and the center of the first side wall 17 of the module13 and having a lower end 79 coupled to the elongated strap means 67 ofthe lower securing means 51; a third hanger member 81 having an upperend 83 coupled to the elongated strap means 59 of the upper securingmeans 49 at a point along the second side wall 19 of a module 13 betweenthe first end wall 21 of the module 13 and the center of the second sidewall 19 of the module 13 and having a lower end 85 coupled to theelongated strap means 67 of the lower securing means 51; and a fourthhanger member 87 having an upper end 89 coupled to the elongated strapmeans 59 of the upper securing means 49 at a point along the second sidewall 19 of the module 13 between the second end wall 23 of the module 13and the center of the second side wall 19 of the module 13 and having alower end 91 coupled to the elongated strap means 67 of the lowersecuring means 51. Each hanger member 69, 75, 81, 87 may consist simplyof a loop or ring member or the like constructed out of fabric, plastic,metal, or other substantially strong material having one or two slots oropenings therethrough for allowing the strap means 59, 67 to extendtherethrough as clearly shown in FIG. 5.

The first upper channel member 53 preferably has a first notch 93therein at a point along the first side wall member 33 between the firstend wall member 37 and the center of the first side wall member 33 forallowing the first hanger member 69 to extend therethrough into thepassageway 57 of the first upper channel member 53 and about theelongated strap means 59 of the upper securing means 49. The first upperchannel member 53 preferably has a second notch 95 therein at a pointalong the first side wall member 33 between the second end wall member39 and the center of the first side wall member 33 for allowing thesecond hanger member 75 to extend therethrough into the passageway 57 ofthe first upper channel member 53 and about the elongated strap means 59of the upper securing means 49. The second upper channel member 55preferably has a first notch 97 therein at a point along the second sidewall member 35 between the first end wall member 37 and the center ofthe second side wall member 35 for allowing the third hanger member 81to extend therethrough into the passageway 57 of the second upperchannel member 55 and about the elongated strap means 59 of the uppersecuring means 49. The second upper channel member 55 preferably has asecond notch 99 therein at a point along the second side wall member 35between the second end wall member 39 and the center of the second sidewall member 35 for allowing the fourth hanger member 87 to extendtherethrough into the passageway 57 of the second upper channel member55 and about the elongated strap means 59 of the upper securing means49.

The upper securing means 49 preferably includes upper fastening means101 for fastening the elongated strap means 59 of the upper securingmeans 49 about the perimeter of a module 13. The elongated strap means59 of the upper securing means 49 preferably has a first end 103 and asecond end 105 and the upper fastening means 101 is used to adjustablysecure the first and second ends 103, 105 of the strap means 59 togetheras will now be apparent to those skilled in the art. The specificconstruction and operation of the upper fastening means 101 may vary aswill now be apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, for example, theupper fastening means 101 may consist of various buckles and the like,may merely consist of a knot tying the ends 103, 105 together, etc. Theupper fastening means 101 preferably includes a first ring means 107attached to the first end 103 of the elongated strap means 59 of theupper securing means 49, a second ring means 109 attached to the secondend 105 of the elongated strap means 59 of the upper strap means 49, andtongue means 111 having a first end 113 for being attached to the firstend 103 of the elongated strap means 59 of the upper securing means 49and having a second end 115 for extending first through the second ringmeans 109 of the upper fastening means 101 and then through the firstring means 107 of the upper fastening means 101 for causing the firstand second ends 103, 105 of the elongated strap means 59 of the uppersecuring means 49 to be simultaneously pulled in opposite directionstoward one another as indicated by the arrows 117 in FIG. 9 when thetongue means 111 of the upper fastening means 101 is pulled in onedirection as indicated by the arrow 119 in FIG. 9.

The lower securing means 51 preferably includes lower fastening means121 for fastening the elongated strap means 67 of the lower securingmeans 51 about the perimeter of the module 13. The elongated strap means67 of the lower securing means 51 preferably has a first end 123 and asecond end 125 and the lower fastening means 121 is used to adjustablysecure the first and second ends 123, 125 of the strap means 67 togetheras will now be apparent to those skilled in the art. The specificconstruction and operation of the lower fastening means 121 may vary aswill now be apparent to those skilled in the art. The lower fasteningmeans 121 is preferably identical in structure and operation to theupper fastening means 101 and reference should be made to the abovedescription of the upper fastening means 101 for a full and completeunderstanding of the preferred construction of the lower fastening means121.

As thus constructed, the cover 28 can be used with a typical module 13to protect at least a portion of the module 13 from wind, rain, etc.More specifically, the cap 29 can be merely placed over the top 15 ofthe module 13 with the first side wall member 33 covering the upperportion of the first side wall 17, with the second side wall member 35covering the upper portion of the second side wall 19, with the firstend wall member 37 covering the upper and mid portions of the first endwall 21, and with the second end wall member 39 covering the upper andmid portions of the second end wall 23. The upper and lower securingmeans 49, 51 can then be tightened about the perimeter of the module 13to secure the cap 29 over the top 15 of the module 13 as will now beapparent to those skilled in the art.

A second preferred embodiment of the module cover of the presentinvention is shown in FIGS. 12-15 and identified by the numeral 2.28.The cover 2.28 is also for use with a typical module 13 to protect atleast a portion of the module 13 from wind, rain, etc. Many componentsand means of the cover 2.28 are similar or identical to correspondingcomponents and means of the cover 11 and such components and means willbe identified by an identical numeral with the addition of the preface"2." and reference should be made to the above description of the cover28 for a more detailed description of such components and means.

The cover 2.28 includes a cap 2.29 for coveting the top 15 of the module13. The cap 2.29 preferably includes a top member 2.31 for covering thetop 15 of the module 13, a first side wall member 2.33 attached to thetop member 2.31 and depending downwardly from the top member 2.31 forcovering at least a portion of the first side wall 17 of the module 13,a second side wall member 2.35 attached to the top member 2.31 anddepending downwardly from the top member 2.31 for covering at least aportion of the second side wall 19 of the module 13, a first end wallmember 2.37 attached to the top member 2.31 and depending downwardlyfrom the top member 2.31 for covering at least a portion of the firstend wall 21 of the module 13, and a second end wall member 2.39 attachedto the top member 2.31 and depending downwardly from the top member 2.31for covering at least a portion of the second end wall 23 of the module13. Flaps 2.41 may be attached to the side edges of each end wall member2.37, 2.39 for extending from the side edges of each end wall member2.37, 2.39 a short distance around each corner of the module 13 asclearly shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. The cap 2.29 may also be constructedout of a waterproof or water-repellent sheet of canvas, plastic or thelike in various sizes and in various manners as will now be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Thus, the cap 2.29 may be cut, folded and sewnfrom one or more flat sheets of water-repellant fabric or material aswill now be apparent to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, theside wall members 2.33, 2.35 and end wall members 2.37, 2.39 can bemanufactured from non-coated, non-water-repellant fabric or material.

The first side wall member 2.33 preferably includes a first side wallextension panel 2.151 for covering the mid portion of the first sidewall 17 of the module 13. The second side wall member 2.35 preferablyincludes a second side wall extension panel 2.153 for covering the midportion of the second side wall 19 of the module 13. The first andsecond side wall extension panels 2.151, 2.153 are preferablyconstructed out of an air-porous material such as netting or the like,sewn or otherwise fixedly attached to the lower edge of each side wallmember 2.33, 2.35.

The cover 2.28 includes securing means for securing the cap 2.29 to themodule 13. The securing means preferably includes an upper securingmeans 2.49 for securing the cap 2.29 to the module 13 at a pointslightly below the top 15 of the module 13, and a lower securing means2.51 for securing the cap 2.29 to the module 13 at a spaced distancebelow the upper securing means 2.49. The upper securing means 2.49 ispreferably attached to at least one of the wall members 2.33, 2.35,2.37, 2.39 at a point slightly below the top member 2.31. Likewise, thelower securing means 2.51 is preferably attached to at least one of thewall members 2.33, 2.35, 2.37, 2.39 at a spaced distance below the uppersecuring means 2.49.

The upper securing means 2.49 preferably includes an elongated strapmeans 2.59 for extending around the wall members 2.33, 2.35, 2.37, 2.39to encircle a module 13 at a point slightly below the top 15 of themodule 13 as will now be apparent to those skilled in the art. The strapmeans 2.59 preferably includes an elongated first strap member 2.155sewn or otherwise attached to the first side wall member 2.33 at a pointslightly below the top member 2.31, and preferably includes an elongatedsecond strap member 2.157 sewn or otherwise attached to the second sidewall member 2.35 at a point slightly below the top member 2.31. Eachelongated strap member 2.155, 2.157 may consist of an elongated lengthof material such as fabric webbing, flat rope, or the like as will nowbe apparent to those skilled in the art with the mid portion thereofsewn or otherwise fixedly attached to the side wall members 2.33, 2.35at a point slightly below the top member 2.31 and with the opposite endsthereof capable of extending around the end walls 21, 23 of the module13, etc., as will now be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The lower securing means 2.51 preferably includes an elongated strapmeans 2.67 for extending around the wall members 2.33, 2.35, 2.37, 2.39to encircle a module 13 at a spaced distance below the strap means 2.59of the upper securing means 2.49. The strap means 2.67 preferablyincludes an elongated first strap member 2.159 sewn or otherwise fixedlyattached to the first side wall member 2.33 at a spaced distance belowthe first strap member 2.155, and preferably includes an elongatedsecond strap member 2.161 sewn or otherwise fixedly attached to thesecond side wall member 2.35 at a spaced distance below the second strapmember 2.157. Each elongated strap member 2.159, 2.161 may consist of anelongated length of material such as fabric webbing, flat rope, or thelike as will now be apparent to those skilled in the art with the midportion thereof sewn or otherwise fixedly attached to the side wallmembers 2.33, 2.35 at a spaced distance below the respective strapmembers 2.155, 2.157 and with the opposite ends thereof capable ofextending around the end walls 21, 23 of the module 13, etc., as willnow be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The upper securing means 2.49 preferably includes upper fastening meansfor fastening the elongated strap means 2.59 of the upper securing means2.49 about the perimeter of a module 13. The upper fastening meanspreferably includes a first upper fastening means 2.163 for fasteningone end of the first strap member 2.155 and one end of the second strapmember 2.157 together, and a second upper fastening means 2.165 forfastening the other end of the first strap member 2.155 and the otherend of the second strap member 2.157 together. The specific constructionand operation of the fastening means 2.163, 2.165 may vary as will nowbe apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, for example, thefastening means 2.163, 2.165 may consist of various buckles and thelike, may merely consist of a knot tying the respective ends of thestrap members 2.155, 2.157 together, etc. The fastening means 2.163,2.165 are preferably identical in structure and operation to the upperfastening means 101 of the upper securing means 49 of the cover 28 andreference should be made to the above description of the upper fasteningmeans 101 for a full and complete understanding of the preferredconstruction of the fastening means 2.163, 2.165.

The lower securing means 2.51 preferably includes lower fastening meansfor fastening the elongated strap means 2.67 of the lower securing means2.51 about the perimeter of a module 13. The lower fastening meanspreferably includes a first lower fastening means 2.167 for fasteningone end of the first strap member 2.159 and one end of the second strapmember 2.1617 together, and a second lower fastening means 2.169 forfastening the other end of the first strap member 2.159 and the otherend of the second strap member 2.161 together. The specific constructionand operation of the fastening means 2.167, 2.169 may vary as will nowbe apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, for example, thefastening means 2.167, 2.169 may consist of various buckles and thelike, may merely consist of a knot tying the respective ends of thestrap members 2.159, 2.161 together, etc. The fastening means 2.167,2.169 are preferably identical in structure and operation to the upperfastening means 101 of the upper securing means 49 of the cover 28 andreference should be made to the above description of the upper fasteningmeans 101 for a full and complete understanding of the preferredconstruction of the fastening means 2.167, 2.169.

As thus constructed, the cover 2.28 can be used with a typical module 13to protect at least a portion of the module 13 from wind, rain, etc.More specifically, the cap 2.29 can be merely placed over the top 15 ofthe module 13 with the first side wall member 2.33 coveting the upperand mid portions of the first side wall 17, with the second side wallmember 2.35 covering the upper and mid portions of the second side wall19, with the first end wall member 2.37 coveting the upper and midportions of the first end wall 21, and with the second end wall member2.39 coveting the upper and mid portions of the second end wall 23. Atleast one end of the cap 2.29 (e.g., the second end wall member 2.39 andassociated flaps 2.41) is preferably sewn or otherwise fixedlyconstructed in the boxlike shape (e.g., with the second end wall member2.39 and associated flaps 2.41 folded and sewn or otherwise fixedlyattached to the side wall members 2.33, 2.35 along the fold 2.171 asshown in FIGS. 12 and 13) similar to a fitted bed sheet while the otherend (e.g., the first end wall member 2.37 and associated flaps 2.41) ispreferably loose or flat to allow the user to fold the that end aroundthe respective end of the module 13 in a manner similar to a flat bedsheet after the "fitted" end has been placed over its associated end ofthe module 13 as clearly shown in FIGS. 27-29 and as will now beapparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, FIG. 27 shows the "fittedend" FE of the cover 2.28 fitted onto the second end wall 23 of thecotton module 13 with the "loose end" LE of the cover 2.28 fully"opened." FIG. 28 is similar to FIG. 27 but shows the side edges of thefirst end wall member 2.37 folded inward with the first end wall member2.37 then further folded over the upper portion of the first end wall 21of the cotton module 13. FIG. 29 is similar to FIG. 28 but shows thefirst ends of the side wall extension panels 2.151, 2.153 of the firstand second side wall members 2.33, 2.35 extended and folded over thefirst end wall member 2.37 and the upper sides of the first end wall 21of the cotton module 13 with the upper and lower securing means 2.49,2.51 tightened about the perimeter of the module 13 to secure the cap2.29 over the top 15 of the module 13 as will now be apparent to thoseskilled in the art.

A third preferred embodiment of the module cover of the presentinvention is shown in FIGS. 16-23 and identified by the numeral 3.28.The cover 3.28 is also used in combination with a typical module 13 toprotect at least a portion of the module 13 from wind, rain, etc. Manycomponents and means of the cover 3.28 are similar or identical tocorresponding components and means of the cover 11 and such componentsand means will be identified by an identical numeral with the additionof the preface "3." and reference should be made to the abovedescription of the cover 28 for a more detailed description of suchcomponents and means.

The cover 3.28 includes a cap 3.29 for being positioned over the top 15of the module 13. The cap 3.29 preferably includes a top member 3.31 forcovering the top 15 of the module 13, a first side wall member 3.33attached to the top member 3.31 and depending downwardly from the topmember 3.31 for covering at least a portion of the first side wall 17 ofthe module 13, a second side wall member 3.35 attached to the top member3.31 and depending downwardly from the top member 3.31 for covering atleast a portion of the second side wall 19 of the module 13, a first endwall member 3.37 attached to the top member 3.31 and dependingdownwardly from the top member 3.31 for covering at least a portion ofthe first end wall 21 of the module 13, and a second end wall member3.39 attached to the top member 3.31 and depending downwardly from thetop member 3.31 for covering at least a portion of the second end wall23 of the module 13. Each end wall member 3.37, 3.39 is preferably of alength to extend down from the top 15 of the module 13 a distance ofapproximately four fifths or so of the height of the module 13 when thecap 3.29 is positioned on the module 13. Each side wall member 3.33,3.35 preferably has a midportion 3.301 that extends down from the top 15of the module 13 a distance of approximately one fifth or so of theheight of the respective side wall 17, 19 of the module 13 when the cap3.29 is positioned on the module 13, and triangular-shaped end portions3.303 which extend between the midportion 3.301 and the respective endwall member 3.37, 3.39 as shown in FIGS. 16 and 19. The cap 3.29 mayalso be constructed out of a waterproof or water-repellent sheet ofcanvas, plastic or the like in various sizes and in various manners aswill now be apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the cap 3.29 maybe cut, folded and sewn from one or more flat sheets of water-repellantfabric or material as will now be apparent to those skilled in the art.Alternatively, the side wall members 3.33, 3.35 and end wall members3.37, 3.39 can be manufactured from non-coated, non-water-repellantfabric or material.

The cover 3.28 includes a first hanger member 3.69 secured to the firstside wall member 3.33 of the cap 3.29 at a point slightly below the topmember 3.31 of the cap 3.29; a second hanger member 3.75 secured to thefirst side wall member 3.33 of the cap 3.29 at a point slightly belowthe top member 3.31 of the cap 3.29 and spaced from the first hangermember 3.69; a third hanger member 3.81 secured to the second side wallmember 3.35 of the cap 3.29 at a point slightly below the top member3.31 of the cap 3.29; and a fourth hanger member 3.87 secured to thesecond side wall member 3.35 of the cap 3.29 at a point slightly belowthe top member 3.31 of the cap 3.29 and spaced from the third hangermember 3.81.

The first and second hanger members 3.69, 3.75 are preferablyconstructed from a single elongated length of material 3.305 such asfabric webbing, flat rope, or the like or the like, folded or turned insuch a manner to form two spaced apart loops 3.307 as clearlyillustrated in FIGS. 20-23 and secured by stitches 3.309 (see FIG. 18),glue, welds, etc., to the first side wall member 3.33 in a position sothat each hanger member 3.69, 3.75 is positioned substantially adjacentthe bottom edge of the midportion 3.301 of the first side wall member3.33 and with each hanger member 3.69, 3.75 substantially evenly spacedabout the center of the first side wall member 3.33 as clearly shown inFIG. 16. For example, to form the loops 3.307 from the elongated lengthof material 3.305, the material 3.305 can be first folded as shown inFIG. 20 to form a first bend 3.311, then folded as shown as shown inFIG. 21 to form a second bend 3.313, then folded as shown in FIG. 22 toform a third bend 3.315 thereby completing a first loop 3.307. A secondloop 3.307 may be constructed in the same manner. That is, after thethird bend 3.315 is completed as above described, the material 3.305 canthen be folded as shown in FIG. 23 to form a fourth bend 3.317 a spaceddistance from the first bend 3.311 to thereby start the second loop3.307 as will now be apparent to those skilled in the art. The secondloop 3.307 can be completed in the same manner discussed hereinaboverelative to the first loop 3.307. The folded assembly can then besecured to the first side wall member 3.33 by stitches 3.309 or the likeso that the various bends will be fixed in place, etc. The third andfourth hanger members 3.81, 3.87 are preferably constructed as a mirrorimage of the first and second hanger members 3.69, 3.75 to form loops3.307 and secured to the second side wall member 3.35 in a correspondingmanner and position as clearly shown in FIG. 19. Each hanger member3.69, 3.75, 3.81, 3.87 may further include a rigid ring member 3.319secured within the respective loop 3.307 to reinforce the loops 3.307,etc. The ring members 3.319 may be typical, one-piece metal rings andmay be secured to the loops 3.307 when the loops 3.307 are formed byinserting the length of material 3.305 through a respective ring member3.319 as the length of material 3.305 is being folded to form the spacedapart loops 3.307 as will now be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The cover 3.28 includes strap means 3.67 extending through the first andsecond hanger members 3.69, 3.75 (i.e., through the ring members 3.319of the first and second hanger members 3.69, 3.75), through the thirdand fourth hanger members 3.81, 3.87 (i.e., through the ring members3.319 of the third and fourth hanger members 3.81, 3.87), and around thefirst and second end wall members 3.37, 3.39 of the cap 3.29 at a spaceddistance below the level of the hanger members 3.69, 3.75, 3.81, 3.87 asclearly shown in FIGS. 16, 17 and 19. The strap means 3.67 extendsparallel to the top 15 of the module 13 between the first and secondhanger members 3.69, 3.75 (see FIG. 16) and between the third and fourthhanger members 3.81, 3.87 (see FIG. 19); along a straight, downwardlyangled line between the first hanger member 3.69 and the first end wall21 of the module 13 (see FIG. 16); along a straight, downwardly angledline between the second hanger member 3.75 and the second end wall 23 ofthe module 13 (see FIG. 16); along a straight, downwardly angled linebetween the third hanger member 3.81 and the second end wall 23 of themodule 13 (see FIG. 19); and along a straight, downwardly angled linebetween the fourth hanger member 3.87 and the first end wall 21 of themodule 13 (see FIG. 19).

The lower edge of each triangular shaped end portion 3.303 of the firstand second side wall members 3.33, 3.35 of the cap 3.29 and the lowerend of the second end wall member 3.39 of the cap 3.29 may be folded toform a tube-like channel 3.321 for receiving the strap means 3.67 (seeFIGS. 16, 17 and 19). Alternatively, the strap means 3.67 may be sewn orotherwise directly attached to the lower end of each triangular shapedend portion 3.303 of the first and second side wall members 3.33, 3.35of the cap 3.29 and the lower end of the second end wall member 3.39 ofthe cap 3.29. Further, the strap means 3.67 may be loose relative toboth the first and second end wall members 3.37, 3.39.

As thus constructed, the cover 3.28 can be used with a typical module 13to protect at least a portion of the module 13 from wind, rain, etc.More specifically, the cap 3.29 can be merely placed over the top 15 ofthe module 13 with the first side wall member 3.33 covering the upperportions and a triangular shaped portion at each end of the first sidewall 17, with the second side wall member 3.35 covering the upperportions and a triangular shaped portion at each end of the second sidewall 19, with the first end wall member 3.37 covering the upper and midportions of the first end wall 21, and with the second end wall member3.39 covering the upper and mid portions of the second end wall 23. Theopposite ends of the strap means 3.67 can then be pulled around thefirst end wall member 3.37 of the cap 3.29, tightened about theperimeter of the module 13 to secure the cap 3.29 over the top 15 of themodule 13, and fixed to one another by a knot 3.323, buckle or the like(see FIG. 16) to thereby secure the cover 3.28 to the module 13 as willnow be apparent to those skilled in the art. Further, the strap means3.67 may be formed from two separate lengths of material with theopposite ends of each length of material extending about a respectivehalf of the perimeter of the module 13 to secure the cap 3.29 over thetop 15 of the module 13, and fixed to one another by a knot, buckle orthe like at each end wall member 3.37, 3.39 to thereby secure the cover3.28 to the module 13.

An alternate corner construction of the tube-like channel 3.321 is shownin FIGS. 24-26. In this construction, a slot or opening O is providedthrough the inside surface of the tube-like channel 3.321 at thelocations where the tube-like channel 3.321 will extend around a cornerC of the cotton module 13 as indicated in FIG. 24. The opening O allowsa portion of the strap means 3.67 to pull away from the cap 3.29 andbite into a corner of the cotton module 13, while allowing the adjacentportions of the cap 3.29 to hang substantially straight down as shown inFIG. 25 as will now be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such aspecific construction provides for better water run-off and the like.

Various alternate constructions of the tube-like channel 3.321 designedto either strengthened or reinforce the tube-like channel 3.321 or toreduce stress and strain applied to the tube-like channel 3.321 by thestrap means 3.67 are shown in FIGS. 30-38.

In the construction shown in FIG. 30, the lower edge of the cap 3.29 isfolded to form a tube-like channel 3.321 for receiving the strap means3.67 and a reinforcing second fabric layer FL is folded inside thetube-like channel 3.321 with securement means S such as stitches, glue,welds, etc., securing the folds so that the channel 3.321 has aneffective wall thickness greater than other portions of the cap 3.29 tothereby strengthen and reinforce the tube-like channel 3.321.

In the construction shown in FIG. 31, the lower edge of the cap 3.29 isalso folded to form a tube-like channel 3.321 for receiving the strapmeans 3.67 but a reinforcing second fabric layer FL is folded about theoutside of the tube-like channel 3.321 with securement means S such asstitches, glue, welds, etc., securing the folds so that the channel3.321 has an effective wall thickness greater than other portions of thecap 3.29 to thereby strengthen and reinforce the tube-like channel3.321.

In the construction shown in FIG. 32, the lower edge of the cap 3.29 isfolded back on itself three times to form a double thick tube-likechannel 3.321 with securement means S such as stitches, glue, welds,etc., securing the folds so that the channel 3.321 has an effective wallthickness greater than other portions of the cap 3.29.

In the construction shown in FIG. 33, the lower edge of the cap 3.29 ismade or woven with an increased thickness (e.g., in a double thickness)and then folded back on itself to form a strong, relatively thicktube-like channel 3.321 with securement means S such as stitches, glue,welds, etc., securing the folds so that the channel 3.321 has aneffective wall thickness greater than other portions of the cap 3.29.

In the construction shown in FIG. 34, the lower edge of the cap 3.29 isfolded back on itself with upper securement means US such as stitches,glue, welds, etc., securing the upper end of the fold, and with middlesecurement means MS such as stitches, glue, welds, etc., securing themiddle portion of the fold in such a manner so as to located thetube-like chamber 3.321 a distance above the bottom edge of the cap 3.29so that the strap means 3.67 will be held a distance above the bottomedge of the cap 3.29 thereby reducing the stress applied to the strapmeans 3.67 and tube-like chamber 3.321, etc.

In the construction shown in FIG. 35, a portion of the cap 3.29 isfolded back on itself twice with middle securement means MS such asstitches, glue, welds, etc., securing the middle portion of the folds insuch a manner so as to located the tube-like chamber 3.321 a distanceabove the bottom edge of the cap 3.29 so that the strap means 3.67 willbe held a distance above the bottom edge of the cap 3.29. The tube-likechamber 3.321 thus has an upper edge 3.321' and a lower edge 3.331" andis attached to the wall members of the cap 3.29 by the lower edge 3.321"thereof (i.e., via the middle securement means MS) so that the tube-likechamber 3.321 is free to pivot or "float" away from the wall members ofthe cap 3.29 thereby reducing the stress applied to the strap means 3.67and tube-like chamber 3.321, etc. In this construction, the second orupper fold is folded in a direction inward relative to the first orlower fold.

In the construction shown in FIG. 36, a portion of the cap 3.29 isfolded back on itself twice with middle securement means MS such asstitches, glue, welds, etc., securing the middle portion of the firstfold and with an auxiliary securement means AS such as stitches, glue,welds, etc., securing the second fold in such a manner so as to locatedthe tube-like chamber 3.321 a distance above the bottom edge of the cap3.29 so that the strap means 3.67 will be held a distance above thebottom edge of the cap 3.29. The tube-like chamber 3.321 thus has anupper edge 3.321' and a lower edge 3.331" and is attached to the wallmembers of the cap 3.29 by the lower edge 3.321" thereof (i.e., via themiddle securement means MS) so that the tube-like chamber 3.321 is freeto pivot or "float" away from the wall members of the cap 3.29 therebyreducing the stress applied to the strap means 3.67 and tube-likechamber 3.321, etc. In this construction, the second or upper fold isfolded in a direction outward relative the first or lower fold.

In the construction shown in FIG. 37, a portion of the cap 3.29 isfolded back on itself twice with middle securement means MS such asstitches, glue, welds, etc., securing the middle portion of the firstfold and with an auxiliary securement means AS such as stitches, glue,welds, etc., securing the second fold in such a manner so as to locatedthe tube-like chamber 3.321 a distance above the bottom edge of the cap3.29 so that the strap means 3.67 will be held a distance above thebottom edge of the cap 3.29. The tube-like chamber 3.321 thus has anupper edge 3.321' and a lower edge 3.331" and is attached to the wallmembers of the cap 3.29 by the lower edge 3.321" thereof (i.e., via themiddle securement means MS) so that the tube-like chamber 3.321 is freeto pivot or "float" away from the wall members of the cap 3.29 therebyreducing the stress applied to the strap means 3.67 and tube-likechamber 3.321, etc. In this construction, the second or upper fold isfolded in a direction inward relative to the first or lower fold.

In the construction shown in FIG. 38, a portion of the cap 3.29 isfolded back on itself twice with middle securement means MS such asstitches, glue, welds, etc., securing the middle portion of both foldsin such a manner so as to located the tube-like chamber 3.321 a distanceabove the bottom edge of the cap 3.29 so that the strap means 3.67 willbe held a distance above the bottom edge of the cap 3.29. The tube-likechamber 3.321 thus has an upper edge 3.321' and a lower edge 3.331" andis attached to the wall members of the cap 3.29 by the lower edge 3.321"thereof (i.e., via the middle securement means MS) so that the tube-likechamber 3.321 is free to pivot or "float" away from the wall members ofthe cap 3.29 thereby reducing the stress applied to the strap means 3.67and tube-like chamber 3.321, etc. In this construction, the second orupper fold is folded in a direction outward relative to the first orlower fold.

Although the present invention has been described and illustrated withrespect to preferred embodiments and a preferred use therefor, it is notto be so limited since modifications and changes can be made thereinwhich are within the full intended scope of the invention.

I claim:
 1. In combination:(a) a compressed self-supporting module offibrous material having a top, elongated first and second side walls,and first and second end walls; and (b) a cover comprising:(i) a capincluding a top member covering the top of the module, a first side wallmember attached to the top member and depending downwardly from the topmember and covering at least a part of the upper portion of the firstside wall of the module, a second side wall member attached to the topmember and depending downwardly from the top member and covering atleast a part of the upper portion of the second side wall of the module,a first end wall member attached to the top member and dependingdownwardly from the top member and covering at least a part of the upperportion of the first end wall of the module, and a second end wallmember attached to the top member and depending downwardly from the topmember and covering at least a part of the upper portion of the secondend wall of the module; (ii) first strap means secured to the cap at apoint slightly below the top member of the cap and extending completelyaround the module lengthwise and parallel to the top of the module; and(iii) a second strap means secured to the cap at a point below the firststrap means and extending completely around the module lengthwise andparallel to the top of the module; the second end wall member of the capis fixed to the first and second side wall members of the cap to form aboxlike shape placed over at least a portion of the second end of thecotton module; and the first end wall member of the cap is free from thefirst and second side wall members and folded around at least a portionof the first end of the cotton module.
 2. In combination:(a) acompressed self-supporting module of fibrous material having a top,elongated first and second side walls, and first and second end walls;and (b) a cover comprising:(i) a cap including a top member covering thetop of the module, a first side wall member attached to the top memberand depending downwardly from the top member and covering at least apart of the upper portion of the first side wall of the module, a secondside wall member attached to the top member and depending downwardlyfrom the top member and covering at least a part of the upper portion ofthe second side wall of the module, a first end wall member attached tothe top member and depending downwardly from the top member and coveringat least a part of the upper portion of the first end wall of themodule, and a second end wall member attached to the top member anddepending downwardly from the top member and covering at least a part ofthe upper portion of the second end wall of the module; (ii) first strapmeans secured to the cap at a point slightly below the top member of thecap and extending completely around the module lengthwise and parallelto the top of the module; and (iii) a second strap means secured to thecap at a point below the first strap means and extending completelyaround the module lengthwise and parallel to the top of the module; thecap including channel means having a passageway therethrough forreceiving one of the strap means; the channel means having an upper edgeand a lower edge and being attached to at least a portion of one of thewall members of the cap by the lower edge thereof so that the channelmeans is free to pivot away from the wall members of the cap.
 3. Incombination:(a) a compressed self-supporting module of fibrous materialhaving a top, elongated first and second side walls, and first andsecond end walls; and (b) a cover comprising:(i) a cap including a topmember covering the top of the module, a first side wall member attachedto the top member and depending downwardly from the top member andcovering at least a part of the upper portion of the first side wall ofthe module, a second side wall member attached to the top member anddepending downwardly from the top member and covering at least a part ofthe upper portion of the second side wall of the module, a first endwall member attached to the top member and depending downwardly from thetop member and covering at least a part of the upper portion of thefirst end wall of the module, and a second end wall member attached tothe top member and depending downwardly from the top member and coveringat least a part of the upper portion of the second end wall of themodule; (ii) first strap means secured to the cap at a point slightlybelow the top member of the cap and extending completely around themodule lengthwise and parallel to the top of the module; and (iii) asecond strap means secured to the cap at a point below the first strapmeans and extending completely around the module lengthwise and parallelto the top of the module; the module having corners between the side andend walls thereof; the cap including channel means having a passagewaytherethrough for receiving one of the strap means; the channel meanshaving an inside surface for engaging a portion of the walls of themodule; and the channel means having an opening provided through theinside surface thereof at a location where the channel means extendsaround a corner of the module for allowing a portion of the strap meansreceived in the channel means to pull away from the cap and bite intothe corner of the module.